Problem with self-cancelling turn signal (1982 GS1100GK)

[stanzukowski]

I've read a number of forum topics with people having problems with the self-cancelling turn signal. I am, too. Turn signals work fine until I slow down or come to a stop, at which point they simply turn off. (The exact opposite of what they should be doing!)

At a stop, I'm actually able to fake it by flipping the switch on-and-off with my finger to simulate a turn signal, but that's a pain in the butt.

It's a big problem because the bike won't pass inspection here in Pennsylvania until I get it fixed. I've tried two separate shops... :^(

Frankly, I'm not a fan of the self-cancelling concept anyway. All my bikes have had manual operation of the turn signals.

Wiring diagram:

https://skitch.com/stanzukowski/fqugs/self-cancelling-circuit

Troubleshooting:

https://skitch.com/stanzukowski/fquf5/self-cancelling-gs1100gk

As I said, I don't care to actually "fix" it because I'd like the turn signal to be manual. But I'm not knowledgeable enough in reading a wiring diagram to be able to translate this into a real-world situation.

Two questions:
1. Is "fixing" the problem (making it manual) simply a matter of disconnecting the speed sensor?

2. How the #$&! do I figure out which are the right wires? (Photos would be appreciated, if anybody has them.)

Or am I missing the boat altogether?

Thanks for any insight!

~stan

[chef1366]

I'd check your charging system and grounds.
I'd also check and see if you have the correct bulbs.

[scaylabs]

Hi,

Does your turn signal switch stay on the left or right position, or does it return to center after you move it? If it stays, just do the following:

-Remove the Turn signal control unit altogether.
-Remove the old Turn signal relay and replace with one of this: http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...fier=6415_0_0_
-Connect the wire marked lbl on your diagram from the old relay to the new one, on the terminal marked "L" for load.
-Connect the wire marked O/G to the + terminal on the new flasher.
-Connect a new wire from the new flasher - terminal to a suitable chassis ground.

I'm pretty sure there is a better explanation on Bikecliff's website, but that is what I did on my '82.

[rustybronco]

Two questions:
1. Is "fixing" the problem (making it manual) simply a matter of disconnecting the speed sensor?

I doubt disconnecting the reed switch will help.

off hand, I think you have an issue with insufficient voltage going to the TSCU or turn signal flasher.

a bodge method of repairing turn signals; yours should be similar.

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/storagecliff/images/turn_signal_relay_replacement.pdf

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Sometimes you can just stick a generic two-prong can flasher in the stock socket and get the blinkers to work, a Tridon 552 or 522. It will defeat the auto-cancel feature.

But, yes, definitely check your charging system voltage and battery condition. Blinkers do weird things when they are under powered.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Nessism]

Remove the TSCU. The system will then function as a fully manual system. If you continue to have problems with the system, then something is wrong with either the hand control or the flasher relay.

[stanzukowski]

Thanks for the feedback. Lots to process. I'm a newbie at this stuff. The turn signal switch definitely stays to left or right ~ I have to center it myself, it doesn't return by itself.

Here's a stupid question ~ terminology confusion ~ turn signal control unit, turn signal relay ~ where is the TSCU? I see it in the wiring diagram, but ....

[rustybronco]

Here's a stupid question ~ terminology confusion ~ turn signal control unit, turn signal relay ~ where is the TSCU? I see it in the wiring diagram, but ....

It should be just to the right of the turn signal flasher.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Under the right side cover of my bike is the turn signal relay or "flasher" (circled) and the turn signal control unit (to the right of the turn signal relay).



This picture was taken after I chopped out the stock relay in preparation for my Turn Signal Relay Replacement.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Nessism]

On the 1980 GS1000E/S the flasher is under the gas tank and the TSCU is under the LH side cover. It's best to look in the factory service manual to find the exact location for your particular bike.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

It's best to look in the factory service manual to find the exact location for your particular bike.

Good idea.

I found this on some guy's website.

Right-click and "Save...":

GS1100G, GK, GL Service Manual (40MB)


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[chef1366]

Hi,




Good idea.

I found this on some guy's website.

Right-click and "Save...":

GS1100G, GK, GL Service Manual (40MB)


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

Some guy
That's rich

[BassCliff]

Hi Bill,

Some guy
That's rich

Missed you last weekend.

Let's plan another So. Cal. GS ride, OK?


All the best to you and yours,

Cliff

[stanzukowski]

Gah! I should have gone to a trade school instead of that stupid state college I attended. This electrical stuff confuses the hell out of me.

From what I understand (or rather, don't) Scaylabs says to remove the TSCU altogether. But Basscliff in his PDF tutorial seems to be replacing the relay (and socket) only.... ??

[Nessism]

Gah! I should have gone to a trade school instead of that stupid state college I attended. This electrical stuff confuses the hell out of me.

From what I understand (or rather, don't) Scaylabs says to remove the TSCU altogether. But Basscliff in his PDF tutorial seems to be replacing the relay (and socket) only.... ??

Remove the TSCU and your bike will have full manual turn signals. You don't need to mess with the turn signal relay.